Brampton's Thompson in NBA draft

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RYAN WOLSTAT, QMI Agency

According to the Austin American-Statesman, Texas Longhorns forward Tristan Thompson, of Brampton, will enter the NBA draft.

The decision is not a surprise. Thompson, one of Canada's top basketball prospects, had been interviewing agents for some time now and sources had told The Sun he was a virtual lock to go.

Thompson is expected to formally announce his decision on Friday.

The Big 12 freshman of the year averaged 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game and was outstanding in Texas' win over Oakland in the first round of the NCAA tournament, boosting his draft stock.

Though Thompson originally said he wanted to return to the school, especially because longtime friend and teammate Myck Kabongo of Toronto will start there in the fall, the lure of potentially being selected in the lottery appears to have been too much to pass up. The 2012 draft is expected to be one of the best in two decades after stars like Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones III elected to stay in school, whereas the 2011 version is considered poor.

Thompson had until April 24 to declare for the draft. Players can still pull out if they don't hire an agent by May 8.